Patent Application
20220152670
The present disclosure pertains to devices and methods for washing small objects such as utensils. Particular implementations include portable washing devices comprising a container with an internal cleaning component, such as a brush.
Washing eating utensils can be cumbersome and time-consuming, especially in settings not equipped with traditional washing equipment. For example, washing eating utensils while camping can be particularly difficult. In such settings, utensils are typically washed and dried one-by-one without a sink or faucet, and water may be in limited supply. Likewise, washing eating utensils in households that lack a dishwasher can necessitate a significant volume of water, time, and repetitive effort. Many households lack an automatic dishwasher for reasons such as unaffordability or lack of space. Accordingly, a portable device configured to facilitate utensil washing in settings that lack automatic dishwashing equipment is needed.
The present disclosure describes devices and methods for washing small items, such as eating utensils, without needing a sink or dishwasher.
A washing device disclosed herein may include a container with a closeable opening and a cleaning component, with cleaning elements, that protrudes within the container. In some examples, the cleaning component may be held in a relatively fixed position in the interior of the container.
Example methods of washing items using the device may include the steps of placing items to be washed into the container and adding water or a cleaning solution, or both, to the container, in no particular order, and subsequently shaking or agitating the device such that the items contact the cleaning elements of a cleaning component within the container. In some examples, the method may also include adding soap.
Examples of such washing devices may include a container that is generally cylindrical in shape, such as the shape of a reusable water bottle. In some examples, the washing device may include a removable cap configured to close the closeable opening. In some examples, the cleaning component may comprise an elongated brush with bristles as cleaning elements.
In some examples, the cleaning component may be fixed or coupled to the under-side of a removable cap so that the cleaning component protrudes from the under-side of the removable cap and extends into the container when the cap is secured thereto, thus positioning the cleaning elements of the cleaning component inside the container such that, during the washing process, cleaning elements will contact the items to be washed (e.g., eating utensils) that are placed in the container.
This configuration may be accomplished using coupling configurations known in the art. It may be advantageous to couple the cleaning component to the removable cap in such a way that they can be coupled and uncoupled by an ordinary user (i.e., “reversibly coupled”) such that a user can uncouple the cleaning component from the cap and thereafter use the container for other purposes, e.g., carrying water, coffee, soup, or other liquids.
In some examples, the cleaning component may include a stem having a threaded portion configured to engage a complementary threaded portion located at the under-side of the removable cap in order to couple the cleaning component to the removable cap. In some examples, a push-button latch and release mechanism may be employed to couple and uncouple the cleaning component to and from the removable cap. In some examples, the cleaning component may include a male end, such as a stem, having a spring-loaded ball that protrudes out from the surface of the male end, can be pressed in to be substantially flush with the surface of the male end, and springs back into place (protruding out from the outer surface of the male end) after being released, and the under-side of the removable cap may include a protrusion configured to slideably receive the male end and a hole configured to receive the spring-loaded ball, thus locking the cleaning component into place. In such a configuration, pressing in the spring-loaded ball will allow removal of the cleaning component stem from the removable cap's protrusion. Alternatively, the spring-loaded ball may be located on a protrusion on the under-side of the removable cap and the cleaning component may be configured to slideably receive the protrusion and may include a hole configured to receive the protrusion's spring-loaded ball. Various other male-female type coupling configurations, including configurations known in the art, may be used to couple the cleaning component to the removable cap. In such configurations, the cleaning component may include a male portion and the removable cap may include a female portion configured to receive the male portion of the cleaning component. Alternatively, the removable cap may include a male portion and the cleaning component may include a female portion configured to receive the male portion of the removable cap.
In some examples, the cleaning component may be permanently fixed to the removable cap using a male-female coupling configuration and a bonding material, such as glue.
In some examples, the removable cap may define a through-hole such that the cleaning component can be inserted and removed therethrough. Various options can be used for closing or sealing the through-hole, including, for example, a cap, flip top, slide closure, etc. In some examples, the cleaning component in such implementations may include a cap at one end that may be configured to seal the through-hole upon insertion of the cleaning component into the container.
In some examples, the removable cap may define a through-hole through which a stem of a cleaning component may pass such that the cleaning component may be moved back and forth along the length of the interior of the container to achieve cleaning by way of a plunging action.
In some examples, various mechanisms to allow the cleaning component to be rotated to thereby achieve cleaning may be implemented.
In some examples, the removable cap may house an internal reservoir for holding liquid soap or a cleaning solution such as, for example, a soap-water mixture. Such a cap may include a closable opening for adding, and optionally pouring out, soap. Such a cap may also include a mechanism for releasing or injecting the contents of the internal reservoir into the interior of the container, such as a pump mechanism.
The inventive device may be used to wash common eating utensils, including but not limited to forks, spoons, and knives. The device may also be used to wash other utensils associated with kitchens and cooking, including but not limited to things such as butcher knives, bottle openers, wine bottle openers, can openers, reusable wine corks, prongs, tongs, corn on the cob holders, chopsticks, skewers, crab crackers, fondue forks, lobster picks, nutcrackers, whisks, etc. The inventive device may also be used to wash utensils that are not associated with eating or the kitchen. Such items include but are not limited to various medical and/or dental tools, instruments and/or small devices used for an assortment of applications ranging from routine dental cleanings to surgical operations. For example, the inventive device may be used to clean or sterilize forceps, scalpels, scissors, clamps, mirrors, probes, scalers, curettes, dental picker tools, etc. Other example items include hand tools and tool components used for auto-mechanical and/or construction applications. For example, the inventive device may be used to clean screwdrivers, wrenches, sockets, pliers, etc. The device may also be used to clean items such as jewelry, watches, pocketknives, etc. Various other applications will be apparent to ordinary users.
In some examples, the cleaning component may have a length of about 10 to 11 inches so that the full length of common eating utensils, including dinner knives, would contact the cleaning elements of the cleaning component during the washing process. In some embodiments, the cleaning component may have a length of about 12 to 13 inches so that the full length of common eating utensils as well as items such as large butcher knives would contact the cleaning component during the washing process. In some examples, the cleaning component may have a length of about 14 to 15 inches so that the full length of common eating utensils, butcher knives and most skewers would contact the cleaning component during the washing process. In some examples, the length of the cleaning component may be longer or shorter than the lengths listed above depending on the size of the items to be washed.
In some examples in which the removable cap defines a through-hole through which a stem of a cleaning component may pass such that the cleaning component can be moved back and forth along the length of the interior of the container to achieve cleaning by way of a plunging action, the length of the cleaning component may be greater than the length of the interior of the container to allow the cleaning component's cleaning elements, such as, for example, bristles, to reach to the bottom of the container and thus the bottom of the items to be cleaned with the plunging action. In such embodiments, cleaning elements may be located at or near the bottom end of the cleaning component. Cleaning elements may also be located elsewhere on the cleaning component.
In some examples, the cleaning component may have a width of about at least 50% of the width of the container. In some examples, the cleaning component may comprise cleaning elements of varying sizes. For example, a cleaning component may have bristles of varying lengths, varying widths, or varying lengths and widths. In some examples, the cleaning elements of the cleaning component can comprise bristles, segments of sponge, or segments of cloth.
In some examples, the container can comprise a cylindrical bottle having a volume of about 48 fluid oz. to about 72 fluid oz. In some examples, the container itself may comprise multiple parts, such as, for example a first part and a second part that may be readily coupled together and uncoupled.
Example methods of washing items with the device may include placing the items into a container and adding water or a cleaning solution, or both, to the container, in no particular order, and subsequently shaking or agitating the device such that the items contact cleaning elements of a cleaning component within the container. The method may also include adding soap. By using the washing device in accordance with implementations provided herein, a user may wash multiple items in less time than would typically be required if washing the items individually and/or in the absence of automatic washing equipment. In addition, using the washing device in accordance with implementations provided herein can help conserve water in settings in which potable water is limited or the user would like to minimize her use of potable water.
The following description of certain embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention or its applications or uses. In the following detailed description of embodiments of the present systems and methods, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the described systems and methods may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice presently disclosed systems and methods, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural and logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present system. Moreover, for the purpose of clarity, detailed descriptions of certain features will not be discussed when they would be apparent to those with skill in the art so as not to obscure the description of the present system. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present system is defined only by the appended claims.
In operation, one or more items to be cleaned can be placed within the container 102, and a desired volume of water or cleaning solution, or both, can be added to the container (an example amount of cleaning liquid is depicted in the figure at 120, but any amount that will allow for effective washing may be used). The removable cap 104 can then be secured to the container 102 such that the cleaning component 106 extends therein. The device 100 can be shaken or otherwise agitated such that the items repeatedly contact bristles 108, thus cleaning the items against bristles in the water. Soap can be added at any point in the process, including to the cleaning liquid before it is added to the container. After sufficient shaking, the removable cap 104 and cleaning component 106 can be removed and the liquid poured from the container 102. In some examples, the items can be kept within the container 102 for a period of time to allow them to air-dry. In some examples, the cleaning component 106 can be uncoupled from the cap 104 after the items are removed, such that the container 102 can be used for other purposes, e.g., carrying water, coffee, soup, or other liquids.
The washing device may be used to clean various kitchen and/or eating utensils, e.g., forks, knives, spoons, etc. Items that may be cleaned using the washing device may also include things such as butcher knives, bottle openers, wine bottle openers, can openers, reusable wine corks, prongs, corn on the cob holders, chopsticks, skewers, etc. The washing device may also be used to wash items that are not associated with eating. Such items include but are not limited to various medical and/or dental tools, instruments and/or small devices used for an assortment of applications ranging from routine dental cleanings to surgical operations. For example, the inventive device may be used to clean or sterilize forceps, scalpels, scissors, clamps, mirrors, probes, scalers, curettes, etc. Other example items include hand tools and tool components used for auto-mechanical and/or construction applications. For example, the inventive device may be used to clean screwdrivers, small hammers, mallets, wrenches, sockets, pliers, etc. Various other applications will be apparent to ordinary users.
The number of items that can be cleaned simultaneously using the washing device will vary depending on the dimensions of the container 102, the size of the cleaning component 106, and the size of the items to be washed.
The dimensions of the container 102 may vary. The interior of the container 102 may define a height 103 and a maximum diameter or width 105. In some embodiments, the height 103 is at least long enough to accommodate standard eating utensils, such as dinner knives measuring about 9 inches. Accordingly, the height 103 may be at least 12 inches to allow sufficient room for such utensils to move back and forth against cleaning elements of the cleaning component for effective cleaning during the washing process. In some embodiments, the height 103 may range from about 12 to about 17 inches, about 13 to about 16 inches, about 14 to about 15 inches, or about 14.5 inches. The height 103 may also be shorter, for example ranging from about 7 to about 13 inches, about 8 to about 11 inches, or about 8.5 to about 10 inches. Such embodiments may accommodate smaller items, such as compact, portable utensils designed for traveling or camping. In some embodiments, the width 103 is kept as narrow as practicable to enable an average adult to grasp and shake the container 102 to clean the items therein without difficulty while also allowing sufficient space to accommodate multiple items for cleaning. Accordingly, the width 105 may be at least 2.5 inches. In some embodiments, the width 105 may range from about 2 to about 6 inches, about 3 to about 5 inches, or about 4 inches.
As further shown in
In some embodiments employing a detachable base, a cleaning component may be fixed or coupled to the inward-facing side of the detachable base so that the cleaning component protrudes from the inward-facing side of the detachable base and extends into the container when the base is secured thereto. Such a cleaning component may be included in lieu of or in addition to a cleaning component protruding from the removable cap.
In some embodiments, the cleaning component 106 may include one or more sponges or cloth components.
The dimensions of the cleaning component 106 may also vary. The cleaning portion of the brush shown in
The maximum width 124 of the cleaning component should be such the bristles would sufficiently contact any item in the washing device during the process of shaking or agitating the container 102. The width 124 may be approximately halfwide, or at least half as wide, as the maximum width 105 of the container 102, and may be up to about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or 99% as wide as the maximum width 105 of the container 102, such that items placed therein may not avoid contact with the cleaning component 106 by remaining near the perimeter of the container 102. In some embodiments, the width 124 may be about 50% to about 80% of the maximum width 105 of the container 102. In some embodiments, the width 124 may range from about 1 to about 4 inches, about 2 to about 3 inches, about 2.25 to about 2.75 inches, or about 2.5 inches. The width 124 may be adjusted depending on the mode of operation of the washing device 100. For example, if the washing device is shaken or agitated to wash items placed therein, the width 124 of the cleaning component 106 may be narrower than a washing device that is not shaken or agitated during cleaning. Washing devices that include rotatable or plunger-like cleaning components, for example, may require a cleaning component having a greater maximum width to ensure that all items are contacted during cleaning.
The configuration of the stem portion 110 may also vary. The stem portion 110 may be comprised of various materials, e.g., one or more polymers, metals, stainless steel, etc., and may be rigid or flexible. The stem portion length 126 may range from about 0.25 to about 2.0 inches, about 0.5 to about 1.5 inches, about 0.75 to about 1.25 inches, or about 1 inch. The width of the stem portion 110 may be greater than the width of the prong 109. In some embodiments, the stem portion 110 may be detachable from the remainder of the cleaning component 106, such that differently-sized stem portions may be included as part of the cleaning component, which may allow the same brush, for instance, to be used with containers 102 having different depths.
The coupling mechanism 114 may also vary. In the embodiment shown, the coupling mechanism 114 includes an adhesive 115, e.g., glue, securing the stem portion 110 to the under-side 112 of the removable cap 104. In addition or alternatively, the stem portion 110 may be inserted into an aperture defined by the removable cap 104, thereby anchoring the stem portion to the removable cap. Accordingly, the cleaning component 106, via the stem portion 110, may be permanently attached to the removable cap 104 in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the cleaning component 106 may be coupled with the removable cap 104 in such a way that it can be easily coupled and uncoupled.
In
In operation, the cleaning component 706 can be repeatedly inserted and removed from a container, e.g., container 102, in plunger-like fashion to facilitate cleaning items placed in the container. In addition or alternatively, the cleaning component 706 can be docked within the through-hole 754, for example by resting the cap 752 on the shelf 758, and the container into which the cleaning component protrudes can be shaken or agitated as described in connection with the washing device 100 shown in
In the embodiment shown, the method 1000 begins at block 1002 by “placing utensils in a container and adding water or a cleaning solution, or both, to the container.” The type and number of utensils may vary and may depend on the capacity of the container used. In some embodiments, at least 1 and up to 50 or more utensils may be simultaneously placed within the container. The utensils may be dirty, for example from being used to cook or eat food. Various additional utensils can also be added to the container, such as utensils comprised of plastic, metal or wood, including for example utensils typically used during outdoor activities such as camping. Water can be added before, after, or at the same time as the utensils. In some embodiments, a removable cap may be used to close and seal the container after adding the utensils and water thereto. Although not shown in
At block 1004, the method may involve “closing the container.” In some examples, the container may be closed with a removable component, such as a removable cap. According to such examples, the cleaning component may be reversibly or permanently coupled with the removable cap, as described herein, and may comprise an elongated brush configured to contact the utensils.
At block 1006, the method may involve “shaking the container such that the utensils contact a cleaning component positioned within the container.” In additional or alternative embodiments, the container may be held stationary while only the cleaning component is moved. According to such embodiments, the cleaning component can be, for example, rotatable and/or configured to move in a plunger-like fashion.
Of course, it is to be appreciated that any one of the examples, embodiments or processes described herein may be combined with one or more other examples, embodiments and/or processes or be separated and/or performed amongst separate devices or device portions in accordance with the present systems, devices and methods.
Finally, the above-discussion is intended to be merely illustrative of the present system and should not be construed as limiting the appended claims to any particular embodiment or group of embodiments. Thus, while the present system has been described in particular detail with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should also be appreciated that numerous modifications and alternative embodiments may be devised by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the broader and intended spirit and scope of the present system as set forth in the claims that follow. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative manner and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/116,534, filed Aug. 29, 2018, entitled “Portable Utensil Washer”, which is incorporated herein by reference, in the entirety and for all purposes.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16116534 | Aug 2018 | US |
| Child | 17592627 | US |
